System and Method for Enforcing a Vehicle Code

ABSTRACT

A vehicle and system for providing a communication link among a plurality of mobile vehicles comprises a broadband RF transceiver with antenna, a GPS receiver, an audio-visual interface, and a microprocessor with associated memory, whereby said microprocessor generates a communication by constructing data packets from a plurality of data fields, including sender information and receiver information.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims priority from U.S. application Ser. No.09/659,074 filed Sep. 11, 2000, which claims priority to U.S.Provisional Application No. 60/153,424 filed Sep. 10, 1999, which isincorporated by reference as if fully set forth herein.

BACKGROUND

The present invention generally relates to communication systems. Moreparticularly, the invention relates to a mobile communication systemwhich allows mobile vehicles to communicate with neighboring vehiclesand roadside communication networks.

Various communication systems have been used by automobile drivers tocommunicate with other vehicles while the vehicle is in motion. Whilemany advances have been made in vehicle to vehicle communication,numerous disadvantages still remain in using conventional communicationsystems.

Conventional mobile communication systems include cellular telephonesand CB or two-way radio. When using a cell phone as a means of mobilecommunication, there is no practical way of discovering whether aneighboring vehicle operator possesses a cell phone. Additionally, thereis no process for determining the phone number of the targeted cellphone. Accordingly, the cell phone as a communication medium is severelylimited.

CB radio is a widely broadcast public medium where mobile users may talkto other mobile or stationary users in their vicinity. However, sincethere is no ability to prevent others from listening, there is noprivacy between mobile communicators.

Automobile accidents are one of the greatest causes of serious injuryand fatalities in society. Accordingly, the development of improvedcontrol and warning systems to minimize personal and financial lossesresulting from automobile accidents is of utmost importance. Thelimitations of present forms of communication are even more severe whenconsidering the extent to which a communication link can improve boththe driving experience and the safety statistics of modern vehicles.

SUMMARY

The present invention provides a communication link among vehicles whicheliminates these pitfalls. The system comprises a broadband RFtransceiver with antenna, a position determining means, such as a GPSreceiver, an audio-visual interface, an electromechanical interface anda microprocessor with associated memory. These components areincorporated into a mobile unit located within each vehicle.

The GPS receiver receives signals from GPS satellites and calculates theposition of the vehicle. The microprocessor carries out overall controlof the system. The memory includes identification information that isunique to each vehicle. In response to input from the GPS receiver,information received by the transceiver and instructions input by thevehicle operator via the audio-visual interface, the microprocessordetermines the necessary subsequent actions.

The transmission from a vehicle may include information describing thestatus of the vehicle for use by the receiving vehicle. For example, thetransmission may provide information regarding the speed, direction andposition of the transmitting vehicle. This information is received andprocessed by the receiving vehicle to provide a visual or audibledisplay of the position, direction and speed of the transmittingvehicle.

According to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided acommunication system for transmitting information between a mobile unitwithin a vehicle traveling on a road and a fixed communication networkinstalled on a roadside. The fixed communication network includes a basestation having a transceiver for communicating with the vehicle bytransmitting and receiving a plurality of communication packets. Thiscommunication can include payment instructions, security instructionsand/or access codes which can be transmitted with or withoutintervention by the vehicle operator.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING(S)

FIG. 1 shows a vehicle communication system embodying the presentinvention.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a vehicletalk mobile unit inaccordance with the preferred embodiment.

FIG. 3A is a diagram illustrating the contents of a communication packettransmitted by the vehicletalk mobile unit.

FIG. 3B illustrates the header of the communication packet.

FIG. 3C illustrates the information fields of the header's transmissionadministration.

FIG. 3D illustrates the information fields of the header's senderportion.

FIG. 3E illustrates the information fields of the header's receiverportion.

FIG. 3F illustrates the sub fields contained in the identificationnumber field.

FIG. 4A illustrates the memory of a typical vehicletalk mobile unit.

FIG. 4B is a diagram of a vehicle communication log.

FIG. 4C is a diagram of a vehicle user log.

FIG. 4D is a diagram of a vehicle contact log.

FIG. 5 is a flow diagram of the procedure utilized by the microprocessorupon receipt of a communication packet.

FIG. 6 is a flow diagram of the procedure for processing communicationpackets.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT(S)

The preferred embodiment will be described with reference to the drawingfigures where identical numerals represent similar elements throughout.

A vehicle communication system embodying the present invention is shownin FIG. 1. The vehicle communication system 10 generally comprises oneor more base stations 14, each of which is in wireless communicationwith a plurality of vehicletalk remote units 16. Although the remoteunits 16 may be fixed or mobile, they will be referred to hereinafterfor simplicity as vehicletalk mobile units 16. Each mobile unit 16 cancommunicate with another mobile unit 16, the closest base station 14 orthe base station 14 which provides the strongest communication signal.The base stations 14 communicate with a base station controller 20,which coordinates communications among base stations 14 and vehicletalkmobile units 16. The communication system 10 may be connected to apublic switched telephone network (PSTN) 22, wherein the base stationcontroller 20 also coordinates communications between the base stations14 and the PSTN 22. Preferably, each base station 14 communicates withthe base station controller 20 over a wireless link, although a landline may also be provided. A land line is particularly applicable when abase station 14 is in close proximity to the base station controller 20.The fixed vehicletalk remote units 16 may also communicate with a basestation 14 over a land line.

The base station controller 20 performs several functions. Primarily,the base station controller 20 provides all of the operations,administrative and maintenance (OA&M) signaling associated withestablishing and maintaining all of the wireless communications betweenthe mobile units 16, the base stations 14 and the base stationcontroller 20. The base station controller 20 can provide the routing ofall communications between mobile units 16, and between the mobile units16 and the PSTN 22. The base station controller 20 also provides aninterface between the mobile units 16 and the PSTN 22. This interfaceincludes multiplexing and demultiplexing of the communication signalsthat enter and leave the system 10 via the base station controller 20.Although the vehicle communication system 10 is shown employing antennasto transmit RF signals, one skilled in the art should recognize thatcommunications may be accomplished via microwave or satellite uplinks.Additionally, the functions of the base station controller 20 may becombined with a base station 14 to form a Amaster base station@.

A preferred embodiment of the vehicletalk mobile unit 16 is shown inFIG. 2. Each mobile unit includes an RF transceiver 32 with an antenna33 capable of transmitting and receiving a plurality of RF signals, aGPS receiver 35, a microprocessor 40 with associated memory 41, aninterface to the vehicle's electromechanical systems 44 and anaudio-visual interface 46.

The RF transceiver 32 transmits and receives RF signals at a pluralityof RF frequencies to one or more vehicles which include a vehicletalkmobile unit 16. Received signals are downloaded to baseband andforwarded to the microprocessor 40 for further processing. Transmittedsignals are forwarded from the microprocessor 40 to the RF transceiver32 for upconversion and transmission over one of the plurality of RFfrequencies. The vehicle communication system 10 also provides for theoption of transmitting a communication over currently licensed radiostation channels, for example 105.9 FM. This can permit a vehicletalkoperator to broadcast to non-vehicletalk operators. It also can providea “scanning channel”, such that non-vehicletalk operators can listen tobroadcast vehicletalk communications.

The GPS receiver 35 is configured to receive signals from GPS satellitesand compute the position of the mobile unit 16. There are manycommercially available GPS receivers 35 that can perform such afunction. GPS readings which are provided to the microprocessor 40permit the microprocessor 40 to accurately calculate the speed,direction and acceleration or deceleration rate of the vehicle.

The microprocessor 40 provides central control of the vehicletalk mobileunit 16. As will be explained in greater detail hereinafter, themicroprocessor 40 also performs packet handling including packetassembling for outgoing communication packets 50 and packetdisassembling for incoming communication packets 50 received from the RFtransceiver 32. Communication packets 50 received by the microprocessor40 are stored in memory 41. The memory 41 is also used to storeidentification information that is unique to each vehicle and/or vehicleoperator. For example, license and registration for each vehicle can beread if positioned with a bar code or magnetic strip in a specificlocation of the vehicle. Optionally, the system my have a card readerwhere the operator must place their card prior to the vehicle starting.This card can be a license with a magnetic strip or can be a smartcardthat may identify the driver and the vehicle. This unique informationregarding the vehicle may also include the position of the vehicle,speed of the vehicle and rate of acceleration or deceleration ascalculated by data obtained from the GPS receiver 35.

The audio-visual interface (AVI) 46 preferably comprises a microphone,speakers and graphic display along with alphanumeric and directionalkeypads. However, those of skill in the art should realize that the AVI46 may encompass other input devices which are known, such as a voiceactivated input unit, an IR remote control, a full keyboard or any othertype of electronic or manual data input means. Additionally, the outputportion of the AVI 46 may comprise any type of output means such as astereo system or a heads-up display.

The electromechanical interface 44 provides an electrical coupling tothe electromechanical systems of the vehicle over which the vehicletalkmobile unit 16 has control. These systems may include the radio, lights,horn, windows, locks, steering, breaking and any otherelectro-mechanical systems of the vehicle.

Communications between vehicletalk mobile units 16 using the vehiclecommunication system 10 are accomplished through a stream of transmittedcommunication packets 50. As shown in FIG. 3A, each communication packet50 comprises a header 51 and a payload 53. The header 51 comprises aplurality of predefined information fields which provide informationregarding the particular communication, the sender which originated thecommunication and the receiver to which the communication is destined.It should be recognized that a voice or data communication may besegmented or “packetized” and transmitted using a plurality of packets50. The present invention is not restricted to transmitting acommunication having a predefined length. Accordingly, the payload 53may comprise only a portion of the communication that is sent betweenmobile units 16, and a single communication may be sent using aplurality of packets 50. Communications may comprise data transmissions,such as uploads from, or downloads to, the mobile unit 16; or maycomprise voice communications.

Referring to FIG. 3B, the header 51 comprises a plurality of informationfields which can be generally categorized by three different functionalgroups: 1) transmission administrative information 55; 2) senderinformation 56; and 3) receiver information 57. These fields will beexplained in greater detail hereinafter.

Referring to FIG. 3C, the information fields associated with thetransmission administration 55 are shown. These fields provideinformation that defines the particular communication being transmitted.Although the number of fields may be more or less, and the type offields described in this specification may change depending on theparticular communication and the requirements of the system 10, in oneembodiment of the present invention the fields associated withtransmission administration 55 comprise the following fields: 1)security 61; 2) priority 62; 3) in system/out of system 63; 4)broadcast/point-to-point 64; 5) communication identifier (data/voice)65; 6) communication type (information/control) 66; and 7) communicationlength (standalone or continuation) 67.

Since the vehicle communication system 10 in accordance with the presentinvention permits control of a vehicle and overall control of thecommunication system 10 by law enforcement authorities via a “securityinstruction”, the system 10 has a plurality of security levels to ensurethat unauthorized individuals will not use the system 10 for subversivepurposes. Optionally, driver may override law enforcement. System mayask for permission for law enforcement to control vehicle. The securityfield 61 is defined as follows:

0—access to all functions of the vehicle communication system 10including the physical control of the vehicle and all of the informationstored within the memory 41.

1—access only to the physical control of the vehicle.

2—access only to the information stored within the memory 41.

3—access for transmitting and receiving communications.

4—access only to receiving communications.

The security field 61 may also include a security code, which permitsauthentication of the entity sending the security instruction. Asaforementioned, it should be understood by those skilled in the art thatadditional fields may be added or defined as desired to increase thefunctionality of the system 10 or the security layers. Additionally, itshould be recognized that although the system 10 is capable of a broadrange of functionality, there are legal implications to implementing allof the functionality. For example, a court order would most likely benecessary before permitting law enforcement officials access toinformation in, or control of, the mobile unit 16.

The priority field 62 is an indicator of the urgency of the transmittedcommunication. The priority field 62 can be a numeric priority from oneto ten; with urgent communications having the highest priority of one(e.g., communications from law enforcement officials) and non-urgentcommunications having the lowest priority of ten, (e.g. advertisements).

The in system/out of system field 63 indicates whether the communicationis destined for, or originated from, another vehicletalk mobile unit 16or an entity located outside of the vehicle communication system 10.Communications with entities outside the vehicle communication system 10can be routed between the vehicletalk mobile unit 16 and the outsideentity over the PSTN 22.

The broadcast/point-to-point field 64 identifies whether the message isintended for broadcast to all vehicletalk mobile units 16 or whether itis intended to be routed to a particular mobile unit 16. As will beexplained in detail hereinafter, the receiver field 57 will specify theparticular address, or multiple addresses, of the mobile units 16 towhich the communication will be transmitted.

The communication identifier field 65 identifies whether thecommunication is a voice or data transmission since each transmissionmay be encoded and processed differently by the receiving microprocessor40.

The communication type field 66 identifies whether the communicationcomprises information for output to the user via the AVI 46, or whetherthe information is a control instruction that will permitelectromechanical control of the vehicle.

The communication length field 67 indicates whether the entirecommunication is included within the current packet 50, or whether thepacket 50 is part of a multi-packet communication.

Referring to FIG. 3D, the fields associated with the sender portion 56of the header 51 include identification number 71, position 72, speed73, acceleration or deceleration 74, direction 75, origination 76 anddestination 77, and may include many more optional fields 78 asspecified by the vehicle operator.

The identification number 71 provides a unique identification for thesending vehicletalk mobile unit 16. The identification number may be thevehicle license number with two additional letters representing thestate where the license plate was issued such as PA for Pennsylvania.Depending upon system administration, the identification number 71 mayfurther relate to one or more individual operators of the vehicle. Asshown in FIG. 3F, the identification number field 71 may comprise aplurality of subfields including vehicle code 81, number of authorizedvehicle operators 82, a vehicle operator identification number 83_(a, b . . . n) for each operator. This feature is particularly usefulif the vehicle is part of a commercial fleet of vehicles with multipledrivers. Upon turning on the vehicle, the vehicle operator inputs theiridentification number 71. This number 71 is compared to the list ofauthorized operators previously stored in memory 41. If the inputoperator identification number 71 matches favorably with one of theauthorized operators previously stored in memory 41, operation of thevehicle is permitted; if not, operation is denied. Optionally, licenseplate, registration, insurance information and drivers licenseinformation can be additional fields for FIG. 3F.

Use of a vehicle operator identification number 71, such as a driverslicense, also permits different operators to use the vehicle whileretaining their distinct identity and storing information particular tothat vehicle operator, (similar to a screen name for internet use suchas the America Online (AOL) system).

Referring back to FIG. 3D, the next four fields associated with thesender portion of the header 51 include position 72, speed 73,acceleration or deceleration 74 and direction 75, which areautomatically created from the information obtained from the sender'sGPS receiver 35.

The origination field 76 includes the location of the vehicle when thevehicle was turned on. The destination field 77 includes the destinationof the vehicle. This, of course, requires that the destination be inputinto the mobile unit 16, such as when a destination is input into anavigation system. It should be understood that the vehicletalk operatormay override certain fields to ensure that this information is notobtained by other vehicletalk operators. For example, the origination 76and destination fields 77, which may include personal information thatthe vehicletalk operator does not desire other vehicletalk operators tohave access to, may include null data such that the senders destinationand origination will be listed as “not available” to the receiver. Thevehicle operator configures their mobile unit 16 as desired to specifywhich fields should be transmitted with null data.

Referring to FIG. 3E, the fields associated with the receiver portion 56of the header 51 are shown in greater detail. As discussed withreference to FIG. 3C, the broadcast or point-to-point field 64 indicateswhether the communication is destined for one, multiple or alloperators. If the communication is to be broadcast to all vehicletalkoperators, the number of addressees field 79 is designated as zero,indicating that all operators will receive the communication. Forpoint-to-point or point-to-multipoint communications, (whereby aplurality of operators may be included within a conversation orcommunication), the number of addressees field 79 includes the number ofoperators which will be receiving the communication. For example, if apoint-to-point communication is desired, the number of addressees field79 will include the number one (1) and address field number one 80 awill be the only field which includes an address. If apoint-to-multipoint communication is desired between, for example fouradditional vehicletalk operators, the number of addressees field 79 willinclude the number four (4) and address fields one through four 80 a-dwill include the addresses of the four receivers to be sent thecommunication.

Once all of the aforementioned fields have been populated with theinformation, the microprocessor 40 builds each communication packet 50and forwards the packet 50 to the transceiver 32 for transmission. Thepackets 50 are preferably transmitted to the base station 14, and thenforwarded to the base station controller 20. The base station controller20 routes all of the communication packets 50 to the specifiedaddresses, either to one or more vehicletalk operators, one or moreoutside entities, or both. This routing function is the same as aninternet router, whereby the destination address or addresses are readby the router and the communication packet 50 is forwarded to thoseaddresses. If the communication packet 50 is to be forwarded to multipleaddresses or broadcast to all addresses, the base station controller 20provides such a routing function.

The base station controller 20 may also confirm to sender whether or nota signal has been received by the recipient. In an alternativeembodiment, each communication may require a confirmation packet be sentfrom the recipient to the sender to provide the confirmation. Using suchan embodiment, the sending vehicletalk operator will know whether or notthe communication packet 50 has reached its destination.

Although the present invention has been explained with reference to aplurality of base stations 14 and a base station controller 20, thesystem 10 can also use technology similar to Bluetooth wirelesstechnology. Using technology such as Bluetooth allows mobile units andbase stations to communicate through other mobile units and base units(i.e. repeaters). This permits a wireless interconnect between mobiledevices, and between mobile devices and their peripherals. The mobiledevices can form a secure piconet and communicate among the connecteddevices. Accordingly, using this technology, vehicletalk mobile units 16can talk directly to other vehicletalk mobile units 16 without theintervention of the base stations 14 and the base station controller 20.It is intended that the present invention be used with any type ofwireless communication standard including Bluetooth, MPEG2, MP3 or otherwireless or data transmission standard. The particular standard used intransmitting the data is not critical since there are many types ofwireless technologies and standards that can be used to transferinformation between vehicletalk mobile units 16. It should be recognizedthat any of the communications could be encrypted by currently knowntechnologies so that only certain authorized vehicletalk vehicles cancommunicate with each other. For example, if two vehicletalk users werecommunicating with one another and either requested a privateconversation the system can immediately encrypt their communication.

As should be understood by those of skill in the art, if the address ofthe receiver is outside of the system 10 and must be routed via the PSTN22, the base station controller 20 formats the communication packet 50in a format that may be handled by the PSTN 22. Although the presentinvention has been explained using a general packet 50 “structure” asillustrated by FIGS. 3A-3F, this structure is intended to serve as anexample of the information to be transmitted by the system 10 in eachcommunication. It is not the intention herein to specify a newcommunication standard since the present invention may be utilized withany current or future wireless communication standard. For example, thepackets 50 transmitted over the vehicle communication system 10 may usethe internet protocol (IP) format such that they may be transmittedseamlessly to any communication system which uses the IP format. Thediscussion of the particular format and/or conversion to another formatfor forwarding over the PSTN 22 is outside the scope of the presentinvention.

As shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B, the memory 41 is used to store informationwhich populates the aforementioned fields. As will be described ingreater detail hereinafter with reference to FIG. 4C, the memory 41 isalso used to store other detailed information which may be helpful tothe vehicletalk operator, other vehicletalk operators, the base stationcontroller 20 or law enforcement agencies. The information stored inmemory 41 may originate from a received communication, or maybe inputinto the mobile unit via the AVI 46. For example, information that isspecific to a particular operator, such as those fields illustrated inFIG. 4C, may be input by the vehicletalk operator via the AVI 46.

Referring to FIG. 4A, one of the uses of the memory 41 is toautomatically store a current vehicle activity log 90 and previousentered logs. The vehicle activity log 90 comprises a plurality offields including the time 90 a, date 90 b, position 90 c, speed 90 d,acceleration/deceleration 90 e and direction 90 f of the vehicle. Thislog 90 is updated on a periodic basis as determined by the vehicletalkoperator. For example, private individuals may desire the log 90 to beupdated every 15 minutes whereas commercial businesses may require thelog 90 to be updated every 15 seconds or even less. It should berealized that the vehicle activity log 90, if updated on the order offractions of a second, would be extremely useful during accidentreconstruction.

Referring to FIG. 4B, a vehicle communication log 92 is shown. Thecommunication log 92 includes the following fields: the time of thecommunication 92 a; the date of the communication 92 b; an indication ofwhether the communication was incoming or outgoing 92 c, the address(es)of the communicating entity 92 d; the priority of the communication 92e; an indication of whether the communication is broadcast orpoint-to-point 92 f; an indication of whether the communicating entityis within the vehicletalk system or outside the system 92 g; thesecurity level of the communicating entity 92 h; an indication ofwhether the communication is data or voice 92 i; an indication ofwhether the communication is information or control 92 j; and the actualcontents of the communication 92 k. The vehicle communication log 92continually tracks each ongoing communication and stores the contents ofthe communication in the contents field 92 k and all of the relatedinformation in the remaining fields 92 a-j.

Referring to FIG. 4C, a vehicletalk operator may input via the AVI 46 aplurality of fields related to the specific user and/or vehicle in auser log 105. One example of a user log 105 is shown in FIG. 4C whichincludes the following fields: registration number 105 _(a); insurancecompany 105 _(b); insurance policy number 105 _(c); vehicle make 105_(d); vehicle model 105 _(e); vehicle color 105 _(f), other identifyinginformation 105 _(g); vehicle model year 105 _(h); EZpass number 105_(i); garage parking account number 105 _(j); garage door access code105 _(k); driving record 105 _(l); and credit card information 105 _(m).There is no limit to the number of fields which may be stored in theuser log 105, and all fields can be defined by the vehicle operator.Since many of these fields include sensitive information, the vehicleoperator may decide not to send any information from the user log 105and the microprocessor 40, when constructing the data packets, willplace null data in those fields.

The procedure utilized by the microprocessor 40 upon receipt of acommunication packet 50 is shown in FIG. 5. The microprocessor 40 firstdetermines whether the incoming packet 50 is addressed to the specificvehicletalk mobile unit 16. Accordingly, at step 502, the microprocessordetermines whether the incoming packet is a broadcast, and at step 504,the microprocessor determines whether the specific address matches thevehicletalk mobile unit address. If either of these determinations isaffirmative, the new packet is stored (step 506). The microprocessorthen determines if there are other communication packets pending forprocessing (step 508). If no other packets are pending, the new packetis processed (step 510). If applicable, any packets in the queue arereprioritized in accordance with the priority of each packet (step 512)which, in the case where no other packets are pending, would not benecessary. The microprocessor then goes on to reviewing the next packetstep (514).

If it has been determined in step 508 that other packets are pending,the priority of all of the pending packets are reviewed (step 516) and adetermination is made (step 518) whether the pending packets have alower priority than the new packet. If the new packet has a higherpriority then the pending packets, the microprocessor halts processingof the pending packet currently being processed (step 520), re-storesthe pending packet into memory (step 522) and proceeds with processingthe new packet (step 510).

If, however, the pending packets do not have a lower priority than thenew packet, the microprocessor stores the new packet in a queue with allother pending packets (step 524) and continues to process the pendingpacket (step 526). In this manner, the microprocessor 40 is able toprocess higher priority packets first, and delay processing of lowerpriority packets to a more appropriate time when the microprocessor hasthe proper resources.

Optionally, even if the microprocessor determines in steps 502 and 504that the communication is not addressed to the particular vehicletalkmobile unit 16, either as point-to-point communication or as part of abroadcast communication, the microprocessor may still undertake minimalprocessing of such packets. This is performed in step 530 whereby acontact log is created.

As shown in FIG. 4D, the contact log 110 may comprise a minimum numberof fields such as the time 110 a, date 110 b, address 110 c, color 110d, make 110 e, and model 110 f of the vehicle related to the incomingcommunication packet 50. The number and type of fields is determined bythe vehicletalk operator. The payload of the packet may not be stored.The contact log 110 is used by the microprocessor 40 to search for“matches” with other vehicletalk operators. Upon request by thevehicletalk operator, the microprocessor 40 searches the contact log 110for any addresses (i.e., sending addresses) that have multiple entriesin the log 110. Once the microprocessor 40 searches the contact log 110and outputs the addresses which show up on the contact log 110 greaterthan a certain frequency threshold as set by the vehicletalk operator,the operator can determine whether those addresses should be placed in a“commuter” log; which is a list of vehicletalk operators as identifiedby their addresses.

This information is provided to the vehicle operator via the AVI 46.This permits the operator to identify, (either graphically as located ona real-time map or via a list), other vehicletalk operators which may bein the vicinity during a certain portion of the day. For example, duringa commute to work if other vehicletalk operators are typically withinthe vicinity of the present vehicletalk operator during a certain timeof day, a “partner log” may be created by each vehicletalk operator topermit vehicletalk operators to identify, contact and establish arapport with other vehicletalk operators.

Since the communication packet headers 51 include very detailedinformation about other vehicletalk mobile units 16, the system 10 canprovide extreme flexibility in contacting other vehicletalk operators inthe vicinity. For example, if a vehicletalk operator observes a vehiclethat they would like to establish a private conversation with, theoperator may command the mobile unit 16 to “talk” to blue car. If morethan one vehicletalk mobile unit 16 is in a blue car in the vicinity,the microprocessor 40 can filter the commuter log to vehicles having thecolor blue. If more than one blue car was in the vicinity, themicroprocessor 40 presents the make and model of each blue car andrequests further instructions.

Since all of the detailed information is available in the packet header51, the system 10 can provide the speed, direction and location of theother vehicle in relation to the present vehicle. This information isalso important in order to evaluate whether another vehicletalk mobileunit 16 will be available for a conversation having a duration of aminimum length. For example, if a vehicletalk operator notes that one ofthe vehicle operators on his partner log is currently traveling in thevicinity, and the vehicletalk operator would like to establishcommunications with the other vehicletalk operator, the system 10 cancalculate the duration of a potential conversation based upon the speedand direction of both vehicles and their ultimate destinations, ifavailable. The system 10 can combine that information and advise bothvehicletalk operators by an audible alarm or a voice message that thereis a certain amount of time left in the conversation. The microprocessor40 can also filter out any vehicletalk mobile units 16 that will not bein the range long enough to establish a reasonable conversation.

At step 540, the microprocessor 40 reviews all incoming communicationpackets 50 to determine if a particular communication packet 50originates from an address that is on the vehicle operator's partnerlog. As the communication packets 50 are reviewed at step 540, thevehicletalk operator is notified and can decide whether or not they wantto establish a communication with the particular vehicle operator havingthe address that has compared favorably with the partner log. It shouldbe noted that vehicle operators can block out transmissions beingreceived from particular individuals or cancel conversations at anytime.Further, vehicle talk operators can require information such as driverslicense, license plate and registration to be provided before they allowany other transmissions to be received.

Referring to FIG. 6, the procedure for processing communication packets50 by the microprocessor 40 is shown. The microprocessor first parsesthe packets into separate fields (step 602) and stores all of the fieldsthat do not require additional processing (step 604). The microprocessorthen determines whether a packet includes a data communication byviewing the communication identifier field (step 606). If themicroprocessor determines that the packet is not carrying a datacommunication, then it is a voice communication and the microprocessorprocesses the communication as such (step 608).

If the packet includes a data communication, the microprocessor mustmake a determination whether the data communication is a controlcommunication (step 610). If it is not a control communication, the datacommunication is an information communication and it is processed assuch (step 612). Examples of packets which include informationcommunications include audio, visual and text files that are downloadedover the internet, facsimile transmissions, and transmissions fromperipheral devices such as laptop computers, handheld palm devices andthe like.

If it has been determined that the packet includes a controlcommunication, the communication is processed as such (step 614). Themicroprocessor compares the control instruction to the security levelrequired (step 616). This includes reviewing the security field,including the optional security access code. If the security access codeis proper (i.e. authorized), the security level is reviewed and themicroprocessor makes a determination of whether the security level issufficient (step 618). If so, the microprocessor performs the controlinstruction (step 620). If not, the microprocessor generates atransmission to the sender of the control instruction that they are notauthorized to control the particular mobile unit(step 622). Themicroprocessor 40 also notifies the particular vehicletalk operator thata control attempt was made and was unsuccessful. This will alert thevehicletalk operator that someone may be utilizing the system forsubversive purposes. Optionally, the system may require the vehicle talkoperator to authorize their vehicle to accept a control instruction,prior to undertaking any control instructions. Once the processing ofthe packet is performed, the microprocessor goes to the next packet(step 624).

With respect to the step of performing a control instruction (step 620),this may include instructions for the microprocessor to exertelectromechanical control over certain aspects of the vehicle'soperation, or may simply include a request for the microprocessor toupload data to the recipient. For example, if the control instruction isa request for the microprocessor to upload information, themicroprocessor may upload one or a plurality of the fields shown in FIG.4C.

In a first example relating to a request for information, if the vehicleis entering a toll booth which utilizes the EZpass system, the controlinstruction from the transmitting toll booth may request that the EZpassnumber be transmitted. The microprocessor 40 will transmit the number inthe EZpass number field shown in FIG. 4C in response thereto.

In a second example relating to a request for information, a request forinformation may occur in a parking garage, gas station or any otherestablishment which requires payment from the vehicle operator, such asa drive-in fast-food restaurant. In this example, the vehicle operatorwill drive up to an ordering kiosk and order the desired food. After thefood has been ordered, the driver pulls up to the window whereby theproper food order is presented to the driver. Meanwhile, therestaurant's communication system sends a communication requesting thecredit card information for billing purposes. The information shown inthe credit card information field 105 m of FIG. 4C can then be presentedto the communication system of the restaurant for payment. Optionally,the vehicle talk operator may require that they must first approve ofany information being released. Moreover, the communication log for boththe fast-food restaurant and the vehicle may store the communicationnoting the charge amount. For the vehicle it can be a “virtual receipt”.

With respect to an instruction which exerts electromechanical controlover the vehicle, as shown in FIG. 2, the electromechanical interface 44will interface with those systems of the vehicle over which thevehicletalk mobile unit 16 has control. These systems may include theradio, lights, horn, steering, breaking and any other electromechanicalsystems of the vehicle. For example, if a vehicletalk operator islistening to their favorite radio station and a point-to-point orbroadcast communication is received by the mobile unit 16, themicroprocessor 40 through the electromechanical interface 44 will stopthe radio, or turn down the volume of the radio, so that a vehicletalkconversation can commence.

It should be understood that due to the amount of information set forthin the header 51 of each communication packet 50, the system 10 providesextreme flexibility in processing and filtering communications. Forexample, the microprocessor 40 can be programmed to accept onlycommunication from certain makes and models of vehicles. As such, thesystem 10 set up as part of a Mercedes can be programmed by themanufacturer to be able to talk to only other Mercedes operators.

The present invention has the ability to greatly increase safety todrivers and can be a valuable resource for emergency services personneland a law enforcement personnel. For example, emergency vehicles canautomatically send signals to warn motorists that an emergency vehicleis approaching. This may supplement the emergency light and siren whichare standard on emergency vehicles. Since the packets 50 areprioritized, a communication sent from an emergency vehicle in transitmay have the highest priority and can override all other signals havinga lower priority. At the scene of an accident, the signal output from anemergency vehicle may, at a slightly lower priority, transmitinstructions for avoiding the accident scene and may provide detourinstructions.

With respect to motor vehicle code enforcement, law enforcement agenciescan automatically review the status of a driver, vehicle registrationand insurance and may provide warnings for expired or soon to be expiredlicense, registrations or insurance policies.

If an authorized operator has gained access to the vehicle and has notinput the proper operator identification number, the microprocessor 40can transmit an emergency instruction to alert law enforcement agenciesthat the vehicle has been stolen. The signal sent from the vehicle canautomatically include the vehicle's position, speed, acceleration ordeceleration rate and direction. Law enforcement officials may send aninstruction in response to limit the vehicle speed to no greater than 30miles per hour until the unauthorized operator of the vehicle isapprehended. It should be noted that various fixed units may bestrategically placed along highways, major intersections, toll boothsand bridges to monitor traffic and to relay messages back to lawenforcement agencies.

Another law enforcement use can be to limit speeding of vehicles bynotifying law enforcement agencies when a vehicle has exceeded a certainspeed limit, e.g., 20% over the speed limit. A law enforcement official,in response, may send an instruction for the vehicle to slow down orrisk a traffic citation. This can eliminate the need for “speed traps”and high speed police chases.

For public safety applications, specifically located fixed units canwarn drivers as the vehicle approaches a traffic light at anintersection that the vehicle must slow down or stop because it will not“make” the green light. The traffic light can make this determinationbased upon the speed and direction of the mobile unit and the cycle ofthe traffic light. Other selectively placed fixed units can warn driversthat an intersection or roadway is dangerous for various reasons, suchas an accident, a sharp end or heavy traffic. The signals output bythese locations can be periodically updated as weather and trafficconditions change. In the same manner, vehicles may be warned that aparticular vehicle is driving in an erratic manner or that lawenforcement officials are currently involved in a pursuit of thevehicle. The warnings to drivers are output through the AVI 46 and maycomprise an audible warning, or may comprise a status light such as red,yellow and green being located on the graphical operator interface ofthe AVI 46. In extreme circumstances, selectively placed fixed units mayautomatically overtake control of a vehicle, for example, duringextremely icy conditions to slow the vehicle prior to the danger zone.

It should be noted that although the mobile units 16 were describedhereinbefore as being located in a vehicle or in a fixed location, theycan be incorporated as part of a cellular phone or palm unit that isportable.

The present invention is particularly adaptable for interfacing with theinternet and providing a wealth of information for all vehicletalkoperators. In one internet-related embodiment such as vehicletalk.com,the website permits storage of information and system administrationthrough the internet. A system administrator operating at the website orthe base station controller 20 monitors and track all vehicletalk mobileunits 16. Through the system administrator, the fixed locations areprovided with weather and traffic updates or advertisements which arespecifically geared to the immediate vicinity of the vehicletalk fixedunit. In this manner, advertisers advertise both on the vehicletalk.comwebsite and advertise their companies and products as vehicles approachor pass certain properties, stores or business locations. This alsopermits stores to provide information to vehicles arriving or leavingthe place of business, such as directions for parking or thanking themfor their patronage.

The system administrator also provides centralized housekeepingfunctions in order to track all different types of information that aretypically a nuisance to vehicle operators, such as the date theirregistration and insurance policy expire. The system administrator alsotracks general vehicle maintenance information and traffic violationrecords. The tracking of vehicle maintenance can be particularly usefulwhen a recall notification is issued from a manufacturer or even whenregularly scheduled maintenance is required.

In a second internet-related embodiment, the system 10 is used to aidlaw enforcement official and insurance companies to determine when atraffic accident has occurred and to collect all of the detailedinformation regarding the traffic accident. This function is centralizedin a website such as vehicleaccident.com. When an accident occurs, asignal is automatically sent to all vehicles involved (or in thevicinity) to transmit all pertinent information to vehicleaccident.com.This can include time, speed, direction, acceleration and deceleration,duration of trip and other pertinent information such as the vehiclemaintenance records, traffic citation records insurance and registrationinformation. The system 10 permits all of this information to be storedin a centralized location at vehicle accident.com for later review bylaw enforcement officials. The system 10 also stores law enforcementofficials reports regarding the accident.

The insurance industry should benefit by having vehicletalk operatorsagree in advance to accept a fact finding by an officer utilizing all ofthe information from the vehicletalk mobile units 16. This avoids costlylitigation and subrogation. A vehicletalk operator accepting these termsmay be permitted special insurance discounts for agreeing to such.

In another embodiment, the system can provide mobile units that does notinclude a GPS unit. It can be similar to portable phone(s) operating onthe same frequency(s). If a user tunes their radio to a particularstation, they can receive a transmission through their car stereo systemThe mobile unit, in this instance, can have the microphone inside of itso a user can speak “hands free”. This embodiment allows the mobile unitto beep (or voice activate) if another user comes within range advisingboth mobile units that they have someone they can talk to. The mobileunit detects another mobile unit by actually receiving the signal of theother mobile unit. Accordingly, positioning of either mobile unit is notrequired.

Although the invention has been described in part by making detailedreference to the preferred embodiment, such detail is intended to beinstructive rather than restrictive. It will be appreciated by thoseskilled in the art that many variations may be made in the structure andmode of operation without departing from the spirit and scope of theinvention as disclosed in the teachings herein.

1-21. (canceled)
 22. A method for enforcing a vehicle code, comprising:receiving a signal transmitted by a mobile unit associated with avehicle; determining based on the signal a vehicle identifier associatedwith the vehicle; determining a status of the vehicle using the vehicleidentifier to monitor the vehicle for code enforcement; and transmittinga message indicating the status.
 23. The method of claim 22 wherein thestep of receiving a signal comprises receiving a signal at a basestation.
 24. The method of claim 22 wherein the step of receiving asignal further comprises receiving a radio frequency signal.
 25. Themethod of claim 22 wherein the vehicle identification is uniquelyassociated with the vehicle.
 26. The method of claim 22 wherein thevehicle identification is a vehicle identification number (“VIN”). 27.The method of claim 22 wherein the status represents vehicleregistration.
 28. The method of claim 22 wherein the status representsvehicle insurance.
 29. The method of claim 22 wherein the statusrepresents driver licensing.
 30. The method of claim 22 wherein thestatus is an expiration of a driving privilege.
 31. The method of claim22 wherein the status is an expiration of a vehicle registration. 32.The method of claim 22 wherein the status is an expiration of insurance.33. The method of claim 22 wherein the status is expiration within aspecified time period.
 34. The method of claim 22 wherein the step oftransmitting includes transmitting a radio frequency signal to themobile unit.
 35. The method of claim 22 further including displaying themessage via an audio-visual interface.
 36. The method of claim 22wherein the message is sent to a physical address associated with anowner of the vehicle.
 37. The method of claim 22 wherein the step oftransmitting includes transmitting a radio frequency signal to a radiowithin the vehicle configured to reproduce the message via an audiosignal.
 38. The method of claim 22 wherein the step of transmitting amessage comprises transmitting an instruction operative to exertelectromechanical control over the vehicle.
 39. A method for enforcing avehicle code, comprising: transmitting a signal from a transmittingmobile unit associated with a vehicle to a receiver, the signal to beused to monitor the a status of the vehicle for code enforcement;receiving a message indicating the status; and presenting an indicationof the status to an operator of the vehicle.
 40. The method of claim 39further comprising the steps of: receiving and storing information inthe mobile unit.
 41. The method of claim 40 wherein the step ofreceiving and storing includes reading a smart card containing theinformation.
 42. The method of claim 41 wherein the smart card is alicense.
 43. The method of claim 39 further comprising the steps of:receiving an instruction directing the mobile unit to exertelectromechanical control over the vehicle; and exertingelectromechanical control over the vehicle in accordance with theinstruction.
 44. A system for enforcing a vehicle code, comprising:means for receiving a signal transmitted by a mobile unit associatedwith a vehicle; means for determining based on the signal a vehicleidentifier associated with the vehicle; means for determining a statusof the vehicle using the vehicle identifier to monitor the vehicle forcode enforcement; and means for transmitting a message indicating thestatus.
 45. A system for enforcing a vehicle code, comprising: means fortransmitting a signal from a transmitting mobile unit associated with avehicle to a receiver, the signal to be used to monitor the a status ofthe vehicle for code enforcement; means for receiving a messageindicating the status; and means for presenting an indication of thestatus to an operator of the vehicle.